New signing Williams wants to make history with AFC Fylde

New AFC Fylde signing Steve Williams believes he can make history with the club following his summer switch from Barrow.

The centre-half can’t wait to get started at the club and is keen to help Fylde achieve their Football League dream.

“We originally had talks a couple of years ago, before I signed for Halifax,” said the 29-year-old. “So joining the club has always been in the back of my mind.

“I spoke to the manager again at the end of this season and it seemed like the right time to sign, especially with the club making a real effort to get out of the league. It’s something I aspire to and want to help the club achieve.”

Williams, who had a brief spell at Fleetwood Town in 2009, continued: “I don’t see the move as dropping down a division. I fully believe that I’ll be back playing in the National League with Fylde, so that drives me on.”

He already has plenty of Football League experience, after almost a century of appearances for Bradford City.

Williams added: “Another pull for me was the style of play the gaffer has instilled into the team.

“When I played against Fylde for Barrow in the FA Cup last season, I thought they were the better footballing side and that really appealed to me.

“It’s only about five weeks to pre-season, so I just want to maintain my fitness so I can make the best start possible.”

The former Chorley defender will be looking to fill the void left by the departing Tom Hannigan.

Williams added: “I don’t really see it that way. I just want to come here and do my job. I don’t see it as having to fill anyone’s shoes.

Explaining his qualities, he said: “Strong and commanding. I’m a ball-playing centre-half but, having played in the Conference, I know football doesn’t always work like that and you have to be solid. Sometimes you have to play ugly and I have adapted to that side too.

“I want to become an all-round better player, so it will be interesting to see how exactly the gaffer wants us to play.”

n Fylde have confirmed the following pre-season warm-up games: Stranraer (home, July 8), Rochdale (home, July 12), Nantwich Town (away, July 16), Runcorn Town (away, July 19), Oldham Athletic (home July 23) and Blackburn Rovers U21 (home July 30).

All the home matches will be at Kellamergh Park. The first game at Mill Farm will be the Brett Ormerod testimonial on July 31.